Oxfam has mobilised assistance in the aftermath of the flooding and mudslides in Sri Lanka that have killed at least a reported 122 people and displaced almost 500,000.
Flooding and mudslides in the south and western districts of Sri Lanka were triggered by monsoon rains.
Oxfam’s country director in Sri Lanka Bojan Kolundzija said Oxfam was deploying pre-positioned stocks of aid such as hygiene kits, water tanks, portable latrines, tarpaulins and jerry cans to people in Ratnapura.
“The Sri Lankan Government has appealed for urgent international assistance given the mudslides are the worst the country has seen since 2003,” Mr Kolundzija said.
“Whilst the fears of more loss of life may now easing, with expected continued rain and the displacement of so many people in dire conditions, our main concern is getting urgent assistance to those people to meet their immediate needs and stop the spread of disease.”
The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka is usually during the southern monsoon, from May to September.
Oxfam is working closely with Disaster Management Centre and Emergency Operation Centre under the Ministry of Disaster Management.
Oxfam’s partners have been on the ground, supporting the government and conducting assessments in one of the worst-affected areas, Ratnapura.
Oxfam’s partners have an established presence in the affected areas of Kalutara, Ratnapura and Matara and will scale up the response if needed.
To support Oxfam’s emergency responses around the world, please go to http://www.oxfam.org.au/icf or call 1800 034 034.
For interviews or more information, please contact Laurelle Keough on 0425 701 801 or laurellek@oxfam.org.au
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